Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
06:46
Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Reflux symptom index and reflux finding score in otolaryngologic practice
Walter Habermann1, Christoph Schmid, Kurt Neumann
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. w_habermann@yahoo.com
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|April 12, 2011
Summary
Patients with abnormal reflux symptom scores significantly improved with proton pump inhibitor therapy. This suggests that Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score can guide treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux, potentially avoiding costly tests.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) presents diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate assessment is crucial for effective treatment.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used for suspected LPR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if patients with abnormal Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) benefit from PPI therapy.
- To assess the utility of RSI and RFS in guiding LPR management.
- To evaluate the efficacy of pantoprazole in treating LPR symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Open, multicenter, prospective longitudinal cohort study.
- 1044 patients with suspected LPR evaluated using RSI and RFS.
- Treatment with pantoprazole (40-80 mg/d) for 8-12 weeks if RSI > 9 and RFS > 7.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in median RSI (12 to 3) and RFS (16 to 6) post-therapy (P<0.001).
- Excellent treatment response reported by 50% of patients and otolaryngologists.
- Gastrointestinal side effects occurred in only 2% of patients.
Conclusions:
- RSI and RFS are practical tools for routine LPR assessment.
- Positive RSI/RFS scores predict a high likelihood of improvement with PPIs.
- RSI/RFS can streamline LPR diagnosis, reserving further testing for non-responders.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
01:25Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
Assessment of Ventilation
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...